Confex has added another wholesaler – Rowan International – to its membership.

Sarah Guest, managing director of Rowan International.

This takes the number of new recruits for 2024 to eight and takes the total number of members to 223 across 241 UK depots.

With more than 40 years’ experience, Rowan International sources and distributes FMCG brands, managing residual stock from manufacturers in categories such as personal care, household and confectionery. Its turnover soared by 24% in 2022-23 to hit £56 million.

The company’s UK head office is in Basildon, Essex, and it has warehouses in four countries. It covers all major EU territories and prides itself on giving a trusted and traceable service.

Ben Winter, commercial director at Rowan International, said: “Following a market review of buying groups in the UK, Rowan decided that Confex was the best fit for our needs.

“We’re excited about benefiting from enhanced purchasing power and exclusive deals as well as gaining access to a vast network of suppliers. In fact, we’ve already been in contact with several new – and even some lapsed – suppliers to discuss how Rowan can help solve their excess stock problems.

“Confex can also provide Rowan with marketing support and industry insights to further support our business growth plans. We’re really looking forward to working with Confex and its membership.”

Confex CEO Tom Gittins added: “It’s been a fantastic year for Confex, with eight new members joining the group in 2024 alone. We’re delighted that Rowan International has chosen to join us having carried out research, recognising the many benefits we offer in addition to our unwavering commitment to supporting our members’ growth plans.

“In the past four years, Confex has grown considerably. Our group turnover is now £3.36 billion with more than 240 depots across the UK, and with plans to grow further. We’re delighted that our focus on diversifying our membership has really paid off for the group and has set us up for future success.

Just like us, Rowan International is on an exciting growth journey which we know we can support and enhance, and so we’re perfectly placed to work together to achieve success.”